Clear Lens Exchange

CLEAR LENS EXCHANGE

What is clear lens exchange?

Clear lens exchange (CLE, also commonly referred to as refractive lens exchange) is a procedure very similar to cataract surgery and is ideal for patients over the age of 40 who have not yet developed cataracts. The procedure involves the implantation of an intraocular lens (IOL) to replace the eye's natural lens. The different between CLE and cataract surgery is that the natural lens being replaced during the CLE procedure is clear, while a cataract lens is cloudy. This refractive procedure is often the best option for patients with high degrees of farsightedness and may be appropriate for certain patients depending on age, visual concerns and lifestyle. If you are over the age of 40, speak with one of our refractive specialists to see if you qualify for CLE.

What is the difference between clear lens exchange, LASIK and cataract surgery?

The primary difference between the clear lens exchange procedure, cataract surgery and LASIK is that CLE is generally the best surgical option for patients who have not developed cataracts but are over the age of an ideal LASIK candidate (18-40). Once cataracts form and begin affecting vision, it becomes medically necessary to remove them. The removal of a cloudy lens and replacement with a clear lens is called cataract surgery. LASIK (Laser in Situ Keratomileusis) is a refractive procedure that is typically ideal for patients between the age of 18-40 and corrects nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. During LASIK, our surgeons use the femtosecond laser to create a flap in the outermost layer of the cornea. The flap is folded back to reveal the middle section of the cornea. The cool beam of the excimer laser then removes tissue, gently reshaping the cornea. The top layer of the cornea is then replaced to serve as a protective cover. A good CLE candidate is somebody who struggles reading close up and seeing far away; however, LASIK and cataract surgery are not the best option. This is because after the age of 40, the eye's natural lens begins to harden, which is why reading close up becomes more difficult and you may require reading classes. LASIK will not correct this problem because LASIK only corrects the shape of the cornea, it does not effect the lens. Additionally, a CLE candidate is someone who has not yet developed cataracts but is looking to reduce or eliminate their dependence on glasses. A CLE candidate typically struggles to read close up without glasses and has blurry distance vision. They may often switch back and forth from regular glasses to reading glasses.

To discuss your vision correcting options and get more information about the clear lens exchange procedure, call (727) 518-2020 today or click here to request a call back from one of our friendly staff members. you are over the age of 40, speak with one of our refractive specialists to see if you qualify for CLE.